That’s Borobo

What you can't do in France, you can do in Chile.

By Michael Schachner

What you can’t do in France you can do in Chile. That is, if you’re Casa Lapostolle.

Last week in New York, Casa Lapostolle, an innovative winery based in Chile’s Colchagua Valley, unveiled its new ultra premium blend called Borobo. And you know what? This mix of 35% Pinot Noir, 25% Merlot, 20% Syrah and 10% each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère from 2001 works like a charm.

“I would never have released such a wine if I didn’t honestly love it myself,” said chairman Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle of the unique five-grape blend. “It was quite difficult to make, and to achieve harmony. But I think we’ve done that,” she said, speaking on behalf of Michel Rolland, the wine consultant who oversaw the wine’s creation.

Indeed, Borobo, which seeks to capture the essences of Bourgogne, the Rhone and Bordeaux, hence the Bo-Ro-Bo name, delivers commendable rich berry flavors and impeccable balance. It tastes very much like a New World red, but you can draw distinct Burgundy, Northern Rhône and Bordeaux aromas and flavors from the wine. which is priced on a par with Casa Lapostolle’s other prestige wine, Clos Apalta, at $65. Production for the inaugural 2001 vintage was a mere 279 cases, but most of it is being imported into the US thanks to Moet Hennessy USA.

All in all, Marnier Lapostolle aptly described the wine as “one blend from a variety of terroirs.” The Pinot element comes from the Casablanca Valley, the Syrah from Rapel, and the remaining three from Apalta in Colchagua. “We could never do something like this in France. And that’s we love about Chile,” surmised Rolland.

Published on September 16, 2005

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